Bangladesh targets Dhaka gridlock with market, bus terminal relocations

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday ordered authorities to relocate Karwan Bazar kitchen market to Gabtoli and shift Fulbaria Bus Terminal to Keraniganj as part of a broader plan to ease traffic congestion in Dhaka.

At a meeting reviewing transport management, parking, bus terminals, and traffic modernization, Rahman also directed introduction of an Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system on expressways and flyovers within four months. An app supporting ETC is to be developed on the same timeline.

Authorities will build a temporary bus terminal on 15 acres under the Jhilmil project while land is acquired for a permanent Keraniganj terminal. Rahman also asked Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) to review an earlier congestion study on Jatrabari-Gulistan Flyover and submit recommendations within 15 days.

The meeting also backed a separate policy for auto-rickshaws and action against unauthorized double-decker sleeper buses.